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South Korea May Send Military and Intelligence Personnel to Ukraine

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South Korea May Send Military and Intelligence Personnel to Ukraine
South Korean marines participate in the Ssangyong joint amphibious landing exercise with U.S. forces at Pohang, South Korea, on September 2, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

South Korea is considering the possibility of sending military personnel and intelligence officers to Ukraine in response to North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia. This was reported by Newsweek, citing South Korean media and intelligence sources.

The plan under discussion involves sending a contingent that includes intelligence officers specializing in North Korea and experts in enemy tactics. These personnel would potentially conduct interrogations or provide translation services if North Korean soldiers, fighting on the side of Russia, are captured by Ukrainian forces.

Additionally, they would share insights with Kyiv regarding North Korea’s military tactics, doctrine, and operations.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense also indicated during a briefing that it would remain open to considering the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine, a departure from its previous policy of offering only humanitarian aid.

South Korean intelligence noted that approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers are currently undergoing training in eastern Russia, with plans to send a total of 12,000 troops, including special forces, to participate in the Russia’s war against Ukraine.

On October 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has referenced intelligence reports indicating North Korea’s de facto involvement in the ongoing war, after reports have emerged indicating that more than 20 soldiers were killed near Donetsk due to a missile strike on October 3, including six North Korean officers.

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